Design a Creative Future

Art, or rather, the arts have been on my mind lately.  I am grateful for that.  In my neck of the woods, art is everywhere. A few years ago, when our family visited Kansas City as well as New Orleans, my kids commented more on buildings that lacked murals and paths that didn’t have public installations, than they did on the art we saw.  

I was raised in the arts, and I raised as on art.  I sang in church and school choirs. I lived inside of a set of headphones in my bedroom and in front of MTV in our living room.  In our house, music, art, theatre and other creative expressions served us in times of joy and in sadness. They provided opportunities for eduction and debate. They helped us talk through social, political, and personal issues.  My world has always had a literal rhythm to it. I see a three word phrase that is four syllables, my mind tells me that’s a waltz. Part weird, part wonderful.

I played in bands growing up. In the 90s, in Little Rock, anything was possible.  The Hogs were the best basketball team in the country and some dude down the street became President!

Bands were formed, labels launched, stores opened, tours booked…by teenagers.

After age 15, I didn’t play organized sports but believe me I competed. You never wanna lose a rock show.  Through the arts I learned teamwork, small business skills, social skills, history, communication, sociology, and political science.  Above all, I learned confidence.  My “Friday Night Lights” moments were not on a football field, they were in clubs (shoutout Vino’s and OG Juanita’s) and in DIY punk rock shows on the Arkansas River.

Creativity is a skill that you have to exercise.  It translates to the job site. It impacts personal and collective wellness.

In a region like ours—growing rapidly with new opportunities and new challenges—the arts offer more than just aesthetic pleasure. They’re a catalyst for community cohesion, economic vitality, and workforce development. As we navigate the dynamics of growth, it’s clear that both legacy residents and newcomers alike benefit from investments in creativity. The arts, in essence, embody the core of "earn more, learn more, live well."

As a Community Connector

Our region is a blend of long-standing traditions and an influx of new perspectives. In this evolving landscape, the arts serve as a bridge, helping legacy residents and new arrivals find common ground. Public art, theater, music festivals, and galleries become places where stories are told and experiences are shared. These shared moments foster connection and mutual understanding.

The arts also help create a sense of place—something especially important for a growing area. Murals can reflect longstanding value as well as new perspectives. The arts tell the story of who we are and where we are going. They honor the past while embracing the opportunities of the present. They make room for multiple perspectives to have equal value.  

As Workforce Development

Art inspires creativity and innovation, qualities that are essential in today’s competitive job market. By supporting and engaging with the arts, we develop a workforce that’s adaptable and equipped with critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Exposure to arts education enhances academic performance and prepares individuals for diverse career paths. Arts engagement leads to higher employee satisfaction and retention—key metrics for regions aiming to attract and keep top talent. Creative communities send a message to the workforce that this is a place to not only work but thrive and grow.

When individuals have access to creative outlets and experiences, they gain lifelong learning opportunities that enrich both their professional and personal lives.

As a Distribution Implement for Quality of Life

Growth brings with it both promise and pressure. As our region expands, it’s critical to focus on quality of life for everyone.  The arts provide an important outlet for well-being, both mental and social. Access to it is critical, and that goes well beyond the cost of admittance.  WIthout access, you can have a high “quantity of product” with no impact on the lives of community members.  

Participating in the arts—whether as an artist, audience member, or community supporter—improves overall happiness and reduces isolation. Public art shatters barriers and makes daily life more vibrant for all. Community concerts and pop-up art workshops offer moments of joy, connection and reflection. These opportunities to "live well" are essential for a balanced, healthy community.

A creative community is a resilient one. It’s a place where businesses, civic leaders, and residents come together to create spaces that inspire and support one another. In times of change, the arts help communities adapt, giving them the tools to innovate and reimagine their future.